<i>Legionella</i> bacteria closes high school

November 23, 2011

GILBERT, AZ — The discovery of a bacteria that can cause a potentially deadly disease has forced a Gilbert high school to close, according to KTVK-TV.

Perry High School and the Perry branch of the Town of Gilbert Library were both shut down following tests, which were conducted after a library employee developed whooping cough, that detected the Legionella bacteria — the bacteria that can cause Legionnaires'' disease — a type of lung infection, the article stated.

According to the article, no illnesses have been reported at Perry High School, but school officials are putting safety first.

Symptoms of Legionnaires'' disease are similar to those of other forms of pneumonia, which makes it difficult to diagnose, and while most cases can be treated with antibiotics, it can be deadly, the article noted.

It''s not known how long the school and library will be closed, the article added.